The Walks of Life

Chapter Twenty-One

Haden walked slowly towards Karloff's home in New Ninjago City. Aiden was playing with his toys in the stroller. Every so often he screeched with delight. Haden smiled down at his son. He really did love him so much.

"Ah! Mini-ninja bring his mini-ninja," Karloff shouted from he front yard. He stood up from pulling weeds and cracked his back.

"Good morning, Karloff," Haden forced a smile.

"Why Haden no working with tiny humans?" Karloff asked.

"I had the day off today," Haden explained.

"What bring Mini-ninja and little mini-ninja here?" Karloff asked.

"I have something-" Haden stuttered. "I have something I need to discuss with you."

Karloff raised an eyebrow at him, "come inside home and we discuss."

Haden followed Karloff inside his home. It was small and modest but comfortable. You could tell that Karloff didn't know the first thing about decorating though.

"Mini-ninja sit and make self comfortable," Karloff pointed to the couch. "Mini-ninja want tea?"

"I'm okay, thank you though," Haden shook his head. He didn't think his stomach could take anything at the moment.

"Now, what on mini-nina mind," Karloff sat down in a chair across from him.

"Karloff, I-" Haden started but then buried his face in his hands.

Karloff looked startled at Haden's countenance, "Haden, what this about?"

"I have a confession to make," Haden looked up at Karloff but then averted his eyes to avoid Karloff's dark brown ones.

"Has ninja found Veronica?" Karloff asked half scared but half hopeful.

"No, Karloff, I'm sorry," Haden sighed. "I have seen her once since she disappeared though."

"What! Why Haden no tell Karloff!" Karloff raised his voice.

"I saw her very briefly and she made it clear that she didn't want to be found." Haden explained. He couldn't bare the look of sadness that came over Karloff when Haden said this. "Look, I need to get something else of my chest."

Karloff nodded for him to continue. Haden took a deep breath and then unbuckled Aiden from his stroller. He set the toddler in his lap. Karloff raised an eyebrow at him again.

"My son's mother is Veronica," Haden tried to sound confident but his voice cracked and betrayed his fear at Karloff's reaction.

Karloff's mouth dropped open. He looked stunned. After what felt like am eternity-which was on reality about five minutes-Karloff spoke.

"Aiden is Karloff grandson?" Karloff asked I'm disbelief.

"Yes, he is," Haden nodded. "I'm so sorry I didn't tell you sooner. I didn't know how."

"Why Veronica no take Aiden?" Karloff asked slowly.

"She-she said she didn't want him," Haden felt sadness creeping into his heart again. "She said I needed to take him or she was putting him up for adoption."

Karloff's face became even more sad, "ah Veronica, why you do this to Papa."

Haden felt horrible.

"I'm so sorry, Karloff," Haden said softly.

"Haden, you take responsibility for son when daughter wouldn't," Karloff shook his head. "Actions show good character."

Haden let out his breath. He hadn't realized he had been holding it. Aiden was sitting in his father's lap looking confused as to what was going on. He squirmed out of Haden's lap and waddled over to Karloff. He patted Karloff on the knee. Karloff looked down at him and smiled.

"Mini-ninja likes Grandpapa," Karloff picked the little toddler up and cradled him in his big burly arms. Haden smiled.

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Haden rubbed his eyes. Aiden was finally asleep and he could have some time to himself. He felt someone put a hand on his shoulder.

"How did it go?" A female voice said behind him.

"Natalie," Haden smiled. "What are you doing here?"

"We had a family outing," she answered. "You didn't answer my question."

"It was one of the hardest things I've ever done."

"How did Karloff take it?"

"He loves Aiden," Haden assured. "But he was so sad. I've never seen someone look so sad."

"He was probably very disappointed in his daughter but he also misses her," Scales said as he walked into the kitchen and put his arm around Natalie.

"I thought he was going to be so angry with me," Haden rubbed his forehead. "It was almost worse seeing him so sad."

"You're a good person, Haden," Natalie took his hand in hers. "You have a big heart."

"I ssssecond that," Scales nodded.

"Thanks, Natalie, Scales," Haden nodded his appreciation. "I couldn't have done this without you guys."

"We are always here for you, Haden."

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Delilah buzzed in through the open window and landed on the bed. She crawled up towards the pillows and thought really hard. One of her six legs turned into a human leg. Little by little she shifted back to her human self.

"That is so exhausting," Delilah whispered to herself.

"What's exhausting?" Haden asked from the doorway. Delilah jumped.

"Don't scare me like that," Delilah threw her pillow at him.

"Aren't you supposed to always be on your guard?" Haden smirked. "Were you practicing shifting again?"

"Yes, I decided that I wanted to be a fly on the wall," Delilah smiled.

"Sometimes I wish I could be a fly on the wall," Haden smiled.

"How are you doing?" Delilah asked awkwardly. She wasn't the best and empathizing or comforting for that matter.

"It'll be okay," Haden said confidently.

"Do you want to talk about it?" Delilah asked.

"No," Haden walked over to the bed and sat down next to her.

She reached over and pulled him to her. He held her tightly around the waist and laid his head on her stomach. Delilah played with his hair until they both fell asleep.